Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to recognise that total reform is needed in this area. There is a need for Garda vetting. Barnardos would confirm that all of the guardians ad litem working in its service are Garda vetted. There is no question of that, but there is a need for Garda vetting of GALs to be part of a system of regulation of GALs more generally. Instituting a new system to ensure systematic Garda vetting of GALs would require a joint approach involving the Garda central vetting unit, the Courts Service and the Presidents of the District Court and Circuit Court as well as the Department of Justice and Equality. I have been in contact with the Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify the situation and to progress the issue. Ultimately, it is part of bringing in legislation to regulate the appointment of GALs in terms of their qualifications. A separation of powers issue arises because it is the courts that appoint guardians ad litem.

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